FIRST-STRING Synonyms: 141 Similar and Opposite Words

first-string

adjective

ˈfərs(t)-ˈstriŋ

Definition of first-string

as in excellent

of the very best kind a first-string rendition of the musical piece

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of first-string While the Steelers gave Warren a modest contract extension just before the start of the season, there really is no definitive first-string running back, which is just the way offensive coordinator Arthur Smith likes it. — CBS News, 27 Dec. 2025 The Colorado product will be expected to improve after operating as the team's first-string quarterback with Gabriel remaining in the NFL's concussion protocol. — Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 23 Nov. 2025 Tustin’s first-string defense was just as overwhelming, holding the Vanguards to negative-16 yards in the first half while the offense built a 48-0 lead. — Dan Arritt, Oc Register, 18 Oct. 2025 On a rest day for Bo Nix and much of the Broncos’ first-string crew, backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, and a few key depth pieces, led the Broncos to a 27-7 beatdown of the Cardinals at Empower Field on Saturday night. — Luca Evans, Denver Post, 17 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for first-string

Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-string

Adjective

Edoya, where brushes have been made by hand since 1718, is around the corner, and Nexpect, an excellent specialty coffee shop, is a short walk away.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
Namely stage 13 when the race split into pieces, Tom Pidcock climbed back up the GC, Pedersen had to make a desperate attempt to reach Philipsen up the road to defend green, and the excellent Mauro Schmid got the victory his talent deserves.

— Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 27 July 2026

Definition of excellent

Adjective

Protecting Jizan from regular Houthi strikes has been a prime motivation for past diplomatic efforts.

— Chris Lau, CNN Money, 26 July 2026
Its more than 440 vertebrate species include 39 fishes, 64 reptiles, 50 mammals and 235 birds (which make the Okefenokee a prime bird watching venue).

— Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 25 July 2026

Definition of prime

Adjective

McKinney missed eight games in 2022 after an ATV accident in Cabo during the team's bye week, then rebounded with a terrific 2023 season.

— Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
The base configuration is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX processor that’s terrific for 3D renders, heavy multitasking, and—of course—pushing refresh rates forward in your heavy-duty gaming.

— Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 23 July 2026

Definition of terrific

Adjective

Stafford, who led the league with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdown passes last season, found wide receiver Puka Nacua for a pair of deep connections, one of which was a stellar one-handed grab in traffic.

— Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 28 July 2026
As the defense adjusts to its new look at the offense looks to remain consistent after a stellar 2025 season, the goal will be to carry over what the team accomplished as a unit in the offseason program.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 July 2026

Definition of stellar

Adjective

There are some superb central defenders who have not made our list, which just highlights the level Vidic reached.

— Andy Mitten, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Small is a superb route runner, while Everhart is the type of athlete who can turn a jet sweep or bubble screen into a chunk play.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 July 2026

Definition of superb

Adjective

Important settlements have existed here since the Roman times, when it was described by the writer Ausonius as one of Gaul’s great educational centers.

— Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 26 July 2026
Getty Images Errol Spence had a great career, but at 36 years old and after three years out of the ring, the former world champion has hit his ceiling in boxing.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

Definition of great

Adjective

The original room also has mannequins showing off fashion-forward outfits from the winners of the Liberty Fabrics x Graduate Fashion Foundation Competition, with lots of lovely clashing patterns and textures.

— Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 July 2026
While this verdant island makes a lovely spot for a hike and a picnic on a sunny day, art lovers have two additional reasons to make the trip.

— Carolyn Heller, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Definition of lovely

Browse Nearby Words

first-rateness

first-string

firth

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“First-string.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-string. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of first-string

adjective

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